B-- Compiler

B– Programming Language Compiler

The B– programming language is a toy language inspired by BASIC. I developed a compiler for B– using Flex and Bison tools, defining the language’s grammar and generating both a lexical analyzer (scanner) and a syntax analyzer (parser).

Compiler Workflow:

• Lexical Analyzer: The lexical analyzer tokenizes the source code by identifying and categorizing keywords, identifiers, operators, and other elements of the code.

• Syntax Analyzer: The syntax analyzer parses the tokenized source code, generating an abstract syntax tree (AST) that represents the structure of the program.

• Code Generation: The AST is then used to generate executable code based on the structure and logic of the B– program.

• Error Handling: The compiler also provides meaningful error messages to help identify syntax issues in the provided B– source code.

Features of the B– Compiler:

• Variables: Supports scalar numeric variables (Integer, Single Precision, Double Precision) and scalar string variables.

• Operators: Includes arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /) and comparison operators (=, <>, <, >, <=, >=).

• Control Structures: Supports conditional IF-THEN statements and FOR-NEXT loops.

• Input and Output: Implements INPUT for reading data and PRINT for outputting values.

• Arrays: Allows for arrays with non-default sizes using the DIM statement.

• DATA Statement: Stores values in memory for later use with the READ statement.

• DEF Statement: Defines user-defined functions for a numeric variable or pseudo-constants.

• GOSUB Statement: Enables subroutine calls with the GOSUB statement for modular programming.

Conclusion:

The development of the B– compiler was an exciting project, allowing me to dive deep into compiler construction using tools like Flex and Bison. The features of the B– language, such as its support for variables, control structures, and arrays, make it a simple yet powerful tool for learning and experimenting with basic programming concepts.